Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night

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Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night
Aria Of A Starless Night poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Japanese劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア
HepburnGekijōban Sōdo Āto Onrain Puroguresshibu Hoshi Naki Yoru no Aria
Directed byAyako Kōno
Written byReki Kawahara
Based onSword Art Online: Progressive
by Reki Kawahara
Starring
CinematographyYuki Ōshima
Edited byKiyoshi Hirose
Music byYuki Kajiura
Production
company
Distributed byAniplex
Release date
  • October 30, 2021 (2021-10-30)
CountryJapan
LanguageJapanese

Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night[a] is an upcoming 2021 Japanese animated science fiction action adventure film based on the Sword Art Online: Progressive light novels written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by abec, which serve as an expanded retelling of the Sword Art Online storyline. The film is produced by A-1 Pictures and directed by Ayako Kōno, while featuring character designs by Kento Toya and music by Yuki Kajiura. This is the second film after Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale of the Sword Art Online series. The film depicts the story of the encounter between Kirito and Asuna, covering the events on Aincrad's first floor, in particular Asuna's initial struggle to cope with the realities of her new world. The film will premiere in Japan on October 30, 2021.[1]

Premise[]

In 2022, Akihiko Kayaba creates a virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game (VRMMORPG) named Sword Art Online (SAO). As depicted in the first volume of the Sword Art Online: Progressive light novel series, the NerveGear is a 2nd generation FullDive device developed by a company named Argus, with Kayaba as its creator. It has a single interface that covers the player's entire head. It controls the player's consciousness by redirecting the brain's signals to the NerveGear, such that they can experience and control their in-game characters with their minds without any physical movement. It has its own battery source, as well as a high-frequency electromagnetic microwave transmitter. It is later revealed that attempting to remove the NerveGear will cause it to destroy your brain using powerful microwaves.

On November 6, 2022, 10,000 players log into SAO for the first time, only to discover that they are unable to log out of the game. Kayaba reveals himself to tell the players that they must beat all 100 floors of Aincrad, the enormous steel castle that is the setting of SAO if they want to escape the game. Only then would they be able to log out. Dying inside of the game or having their NerveGear forcibly removed from their head will cause them to have their brains destroyed by the NerveGear, thus killing them in real life as well.

Asuna, who has logged into the game with her friend Mito, intially struggles to cope with her new reality of being trapped inside the game. Asuna's venture eventually leads to her encounter with Kirito, one of 1,000 beta testers for SAO. He has the advantage of knowing important details about the game and the bosses on its floors. He isolates himself from other players and plays the game alone, bearing the label of "beater", a portmanteau of "beta tester" and "cheater". As the story progresses, more is revealed about the players and their struggle with being trapped inside of the game.

Voice cast[]

See also: List of Sword Art Online characters
Character Name Voice Cast
English Japanese (Nihongo) Japanese[2] English
Kirito / Kazuto Kirigaya Kirito (キリト) / Kirigaya Kazuto (桐ヶ谷 和人) Yoshitsugu Matsuoka TBA
Asuna / Asuna Yuuki Asuna (アスナ) / Yuuki Asuna (結城 明日奈) Haruka Tomatsu TBA
Mito / Misumi Tozawa Mito (ミト) [3] Inori Minase TBA

Production[]

After the finale of Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld, an anime film adaptation of Sword Art Online: Progressive was announced on September 19, 2020.[4] A first teaser trailer and key visual of the anime film was also released on the same day.[5] An official teaser trailer of the anime film was released on AnimeUS, which showcases Asuna in civilian clothing staring at an advertisement of the Sword Art Online, a virtual reality (VR) game, developed by the company named Argus and scheduled for release on November 6, 2022.[6] The key visual showcases Asuna drawing her sword, as the massive city of Aincrad floats above her head.[7]

The trailer of the film was released on AnimeUS and Aniplex USA on November 8 and November 19, 2020, respectively.[8][9] The first trailer of the film was released of the official Twitter account of the anime.[10] The official English website of the anime film was launched on November 19, 2020.[11] It was later revealed to be a new film titled Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night, as per the official English website. The film is set to premiere in fall 2021.[12]

Ayako Kōno is directing the film, with Yasuyuki Kai as the action director, and A-1 Pictures returning for production.[13] The voice cast from the anime series returned to reprise their roles in the film, including voice actor Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Kirito and Haruka Tomatsu as Asuna.

On March 27, 2021, it was announced that the film would be released theatrically in Japan in Autumn 2021. Along with the new trailer, a second key visual was released, with Inori Minase joining the cast as the new character Mito.[14] On July 3, 2021, at Aniplex Online Fest 2021, a new poster revealed that the film's release date would be October 30, 2021.[15][1]

Source[]

The film has been adapted from the first volume of the Sword Art Online: Progressive light novel series. This light novel series is a new version of the Sword Art Online tale that starts at the beginning of Kirito and Asuna's adventure — on the very first level of the world of Aincrad. The title of the anime film "Aria of a Starless Night" is taken from chapter 1 of volume 1 of the light novel series which covers events that took place on first floor of Aincrad.[16]

Release[]

Japan[]

The film is set to premiere on October 30, 2021, in Japan.[17] The advance ticket booking was announced on December 25, 2020, on the film's official website. The theatrical version of the first limited edition advance ticket using a teaser visual with Asuna standing in front of Aincrad was released on December 28, 2020, and ended on January 11, 2021 (Monday) on the Aniplex+ website.[18] Aniplex announced that the film's first limited edition advance ticket has recorded the world's fastest advance ticket sale. These limited edition advance tickets were expected to be delivered by the end of February 2021.[19]

A stage exhibition for the film was announced on February 18, 2021 to be held at the "Connect Green Stage" of AnimeJapan 2021 from March 27 to March 28, 2021,[20] with the event being held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[21][22][23]

The second limited-edition ticket sales began on March 27, 2021, and end on April 11, 2021.[24] The theatrical version of the first limited edition advance ticket depicting Asuna and Kirito standing against the night sky. These limited edition advance tickets were scheduled to be delivered sequentially from the beginning of June 2021.[25] Another special edition ticket sale was announced namely Mubichike card. The sale of these tickets begins on April 10, 2021.[26] The second edition of this card has been planned.[27] A list of theatres participating in Autumn 2021 release was announced by the official website.[28]

On June 23, 2021, the "Public Commemorative Special Program" will be broadcast on ABEMA TV on July 7, 2021. The introduction of the series and the latest information on the film will be released.[29] On July 4, 2021, more information about the film was released at Aniplex Online Fest 2021. Among the information released were the new "Aincrad" edition poster drawn by Reki Kawahara was released, revealing the theatrical release date for Japan. The second edition of Mubichike card was announced. [30] The sale of these tickets begins on July 10, 2021.[31] This card can be used at theaters nationwide. A new service named "Mubichike Digital Card" was announced to be implemented, setting record to be the first digital movie ticket in history of Cinema of Japan.[32]

International[]

Aniplex of America has licensed the film for release in North American theaters in 2021.[33] A virtual exhibition for the film will take place on Aniplex Online Fest 2021 which is set to stream on July 3, 2021.[34][35] ODEX Anime via their official YouTube channel announced that the film is coming soon in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Mongolia.[36] The film will also be released in GCC and MENA regions.[37]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Japanese: 劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア, Hepburn: Gekijōban Sōdo Āto Onrain Puroguresshibu Hoshi-naki Yoru no Aria, also known as Sword Art Online: Progressive the Movie – Hoshi Naki Yoru no Aria or Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "「劇場版 SAO プログレッシブ」公開日は10月30日(土)に決定！本ビジュアル公開&第2弾ムビチケカードも発売決定！". sao-p.net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-06-26.
  2. ^ "STORY・CHARACTER". sao-p.net (in Japanese). Aniplex. Retrieved 2021-03-27.
  3. ^ "『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -プログレッシブ- 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト". sao-p.net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-07-05.
  4. ^ "SAO：「ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ」アニメ化". MANTANWEB（まんたんウェブ） (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  5. ^ Jennings, Collier (2020-09-21). "Sword Art Online: Progressive Series Confirmed, Drops a Teaser Trailer". CBR. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
  6. ^ "Sword Art Online: Progressive - Official Teaser - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
  7. ^ "Upcoming Sword Art Online Film". Twitter. 19 September 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  8. ^ Loo, Egan (2020-09-19). "Sword Art Online: Progressive Light Novels Get Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2021-02-04.
  9. ^ "Sword Art Online: Progressive The Movie – Official Trailer – YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2021-02-04.
  10. ^ "アニメ ソードアート・オンライン 公式". Twitter.
  11. ^ "SWORD ART ONLINE the Movie -PROGRESSIVE- Official Website". SWORD ART ONLINE the Movie -PROGRESSIVE- Official Website. 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2021-07-05. Welcome to the official English Website for SWORD ART ONLINE the Movie -PROGRESSIVE-
  12. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (2021-03-27). "Sword Art Online Progressive Anime Film Reveals 2nd Teaser Video, New Visual, More Cast". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2021-03-27.
  13. ^ Loo, Egan (2020-11-08). "Sword Art Online: Progressive Anime Is Film Opening in 2021 From A-1 Pictures". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2021-02-04.
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  15. ^ "Sword Art Online Progressive Anime Film Reveals New Poster, October 30 Opening". Anime News Network. July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
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  17. ^ "SAO：「劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア」2021年公開". MANTANWEB（まんたんウェブ） (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-03-08.
  18. ^ "『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト". 『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-02-04.
  19. ^ "劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア 限定版前売券 第1弾｜ANIPLEX+". ANIPLEX+ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-02-04.
  20. ^ "AnimeJapan 2021". AnimeJapan 2021 (in Japanese). 2021-02-18. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
  21. ^ Lang, Nico (18 February 2021). "Neues Projekt von A-1 Pictures und Aniplex angekündigt | Anime2You". www.anime2you.de (in German). Retrieved 2021-02-19.
  22. ^ LÓPEZ, FRANCISCO (2021-02-19). "Anime Japan 2021: Lineup revela paneles con Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia y más". BitMe (in Spanish). Retrieved 2021-02-19.
  23. ^ "AnimeJapan 2021". AnimeJapan 2021 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-02-19.
  24. ^ "劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア 限定前売券 第2弾｜ANIPLEX+". ANIPLEX+ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-03-27.
  25. ^ "『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト". sao-p.net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-03-27.
  26. ^ "特典付『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -プログレッシブ- 星なき夜のアリア』ムビチケカードを発売!!｜キャンペーン情報｜映画前売券のことならメイジャー｜映画前売券情報". www.major-j.com. Retrieved 2021-06-26.
  27. ^ "『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト". sao-p.net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-03-27.
  28. ^ "『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -プログレッシブ- 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト". sao-p.net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-06-26.
  29. ^ "『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト | NEWS". sao-p.net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-06-26.
  30. ^ "『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト | NEWS". https (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-07-05. 合わせて公開となった本ビジュアルにはアインクラッドを背景にアスナ、キリト、そして新キャラクター・ミトがそれぞれの想いで剣を握る姿を、ゲームの世界・現実の世界で繊細に描かれている。
  31. ^ "『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -プログレッシブ- 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト". sao-p.net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-07-05.
  32. ^ "『劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン プログレッシブ 星なき夜のアリア』オフィシャルサイト | NEWS". https (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-07-05.
  33. ^ "SWORD ART ONLINE the Movie -PROGRESSIVE- Official Website". Aniplex of America. Retrieved 2021-03-18.
  34. ^ Luster, Joseph (May 28, 2021). "Aniplex Online Fest 2021 Returns with Demon Slayer, SAO Progressive, and More". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2021-06-26.
  35. ^ Peters, Megan (June 2, 2021). "Sword Art Online, Demon Slayer, and Other Aniplex Shows Are Gearing for Big Updates". Comic Book. Retrieved 2021-06-26.
  36. ^ Anime, ODEX (2021-06-03). "(COMING SOON) Cinema release : Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night". YouTube. Retrieved 2021-06-26. Cinema release: Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night (COMING SOON)- Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia.
  37. ^ Anime, ODEX (2021-06-03). "(COMING SOON) Cinema release : Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night". YouTube. Retrieved 2021-06-26. We will release in GCC and MENA territories :-)

External links[]

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